Show Notes

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[00:00:00] Introduction Sue-Anne introduces the episode on the five gatekeepers of human behaviour and how they determine whether communication triggers threat responses or lands effectively.

[00:01:11] Communication Isn't Just What You Say Challenges the belief that leadership communication is only about providing facts and information, explaining that how information lands in the brain matters more than what information is provided.

[00:03:38] The Brain Science Behind Triggers Explains the neurological process when people experience social threats, detailing how the prefrontal cortex gets compromised and resources are diverted to the limbic system.

[00:06:05] The Five Gatekeepers and Three Worlds of Leadership Introduces the five fundamental human needs (significance, predictability, control, connection, and fairness) that when threatened trigger defense mechanisms at the intersection of the three worlds of leadership.

[00:09:35] The Gatekeepers and Try Harder Traps Connects how triggered gatekeepers lead people into specific Try Harder Trap patterns like mind traps, comfort zone traps, self-sabotage traps, and people traps.

[00:11:45] Practical Ways to Apply the Gatekeepers in Leadership Situations Provides actionable strategies for recognizing triggers, developing mental checklists, adapting language, and creating leadership rituals that address the gatekeepers proactively.

[00:13:59] It's Not What You're Communicating, but How You're Communicating Shares a detailed story about Kathy and Mark in a workshop to illustrate how interruption and dismissal triggered a neurological threat response that prevented optimal thinking.

[00:17:01] Create Better Team Dynamics By Understanding the Gatekeepers Offers five quick wins for improving team dynamics, including affirming value before feedback, providing certainty during change, and creating inclusion moments in meetings.

[00:19:12] Walk the Talk | 5 Steps to Put the Gatekeepers into Action Provides five specific action steps for the week, including reflection on personal triggers, noticing team triggers, and practicing status-equalizing behaviors.

[00:20:55] Wrap Up Concludes with a preview of next week's episode on transforming reactive to responsive leadership and provides resources for further learning and coaching support.